With a new manager at the helm for the Houston Astros this season, there will be some changes he brings that differ from how Dusty Baker had operated during his tenure.
Joe Espada was the bench coach for the entirety of the legend's run with the Astros, so he will likely do many things similar, but there are already some tweaks that the first-year skipper will bring to the table in 2024.
The one that drew the most attention was a potential shift in the lineup.
Houston has been a prolific offense for much of their dynastic run, so tinkering with what has been working was met with a few raised eyebrows.
However, Espada feels that moving Yordan Alvarez into the No. 2 spot will increase the amount of at-bats that the superstar slugger gets this season and should elevate the offense to a new level.
Astros fans were able to get a look at what their Opening Day lineup might be during a Spring Training game on March 5.
- Jose Altuve - Second Base
- Yordan Alvarez - Designated Hitter
- Alex Bregman - Third Base
- Kyle Tucker - Right Field
- Jose Abreu - First Base
- Yainer Diaz - Catcher
- Chas McCormick - Left Field
- Jeremy Pena - Shortstop
- Jake Meyers - Center Field
Espada said this could be the possible lineup they deploy against the New York Yankees in their opener on March 28 according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
Two things stick out.
Alvarez is operating in the No. 2 spot like the manager said would happen. It seems like Houston will actually be committed to this new approach in 2024 and will get a sense of how it works early on.
The second thing is the outfield alignment.
Jake Meyers is getting the opportunity to prove he can be the everyday center fielder if this is truly what the Astros put on the field. Chas McCormick will be in left where he spent the most games last season.
It will be interesting to see if this is how things remain throughout the year.
The performance of Alvarez in the second spot and Meyers at the plate will be a huge determining factor.
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